Help for the Job Hunt at Richland County Public Library By Mary Ellen Cheatham
W
ith one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, South Carolina has seen its share of struggles. Downsizing and plant closings mean thousands of people are looking for work in a highly competitive job market. Even some people who have worked with the same employer for decades are suddenly finding that they have to start a new job search from scratch, a seemingly dismal prospect in the beginning. In fact, it often means looking into a career change.
“It’s a very bewildering feeling to look for a job and maybe you don’t know how or maybe you don’t have all the tools you need,” says Diane Luccy, who manages the Job Center at the Richland County Public Library’s main branch (1431 Assembly St.). The job center provides a variety of resources for all kinds of job seekers, whether they’re looking for entry-level work, looking
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get ahead
for a job requiring advanced degrees or trying to start a business. Barely a year old, the library created the center with a $438,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which funds innovative projects aimed at creating informed and engaged communities. Two crucial elements of the center are new computers and two employees — a
The Richland County Public Library offers a wide array of job-search assistance at its main branch Job Center. Courtesy photo.
career specialist and job readiness trainer — designated to help job seekers in groups and individually. “We’re giving them a starting point,” says Luccy. “We try to meet the person where their needs are, workforce developmentrelated, and try to address those needs.” Following is a rundown of resources the center provides. The services are free. You don’t even need a library card. Résumé prep: Job seekers can prepare
and print their résumés, and even fax them to employers from the job center. Staff members can also provide advice and critique. Internet: The center provides computers and Internet access. Job seekers can search job listings and research various careers, employers and salaries. If you can’t make it to the center, the library offers a website with a variety of virtual career search options that you can access from home at www.myrcpl.com/careers. June 1-7, 2011 | free-times.com